The proximity of the Riverside Stadium and the Middlehaven site to North Ormesby means visitors and tourists will be given their first impressions of Middlesbrough.

One impression they don't need is the state of North Ormesby's public toilets. Situated in a prominent place on the market place, they have been allowed to deteriorate into a squalid, dilapidated condition. The gentlemen's toilets are even used as a repository for grimy council dust carts.

If the above premises do not give cause for concern, perhaps a further serious anomaly will. This public building, containing not only a toilet for the disabled but also a council market office, is open for only two days a week and then for only a few hours.

The provision of public lavatories in Middlesbrough dates from the 19th century but they were reserved for men. The Women's Gazette had to organise a campaign to get toilets for women built.

When the market was built in North Ormesby, the owner, Mr J S Pennyman, introduced two separate privies, one for gentlemen and the other for ladies.

Back to the future. The above anomalies call for immediate action. Why not completely renovate this building? Establish a permanent street warden office. Install security cameras.